Apparatus for drying and storage of diving garment and accessories

ABSTRACT

A portable apparatus for drying and/or storage of garments and/or accessories including a base for supporting a frame, said base including a cavity for receipt of ballast to stabilise said apparatus said frame being mounted on said base and including projections suitable for supporting garments and/or accessories, wherein said base includes at least one opening for insertion of ballast into said cavity and a tray for collecting liquid, when in use, falling from wet garments and/or accessories that are suspended above said base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an apparatus for hanging and/orairing articles of apparel that are damp or wet, and in particular to aportable apparatus for drying and/or airing scuba diving garments andaccessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by a largenumber of participants throughout the world. It is an activity thatinvolves a significant quantity and variety of equipment andaccessories. Diving equipment becomes wet in use, and also requirescleaning after use. Once wet, diving equipment often requires asubstantial amount of time to dry, and particularly in the case ofneoprene garments such as wet suits the required drying period mayextend over a number of days.

Accordingly, a problem exists for scuba divers in finding sufficient andsuitable space for drying wet garments and accessories. Garments may bedried outdoors, however this has the disadvantage of exposing thegarments to the weather, including ultraviolet radiation from the sunwhich may lead to damage of diving equipment. Of course, exposure torain will prevent the equipment from drying.

Alternatively diving equipment may be kept indoors while drying. Thedisadvantage in this case is that a suitable location must be found inwhich the equipment can dry without wetting or otherwise damaginginterior furnishings or fixtures, including floors and floor coveringssuch as rugs or carpets. It is therefore common to use bathroom andlaundry areas for drying garments, in particular shower recesses, bathsand/or sinks or basins. However, this may lead to excessive clutter ofthese spaces and limits their usability for other purposes. The problemsof clutter and loss of space are particularly acute in temporaryaccommodation such as hotel and motel rooms in which the available spaceis usually limited.

Previous attempts to solve the problems of clutter and loss of spacewhile drying diving equipment have included the provision of hangersspecifically designed for suspending diving gear while drying. Whilehangers assist in keeping equipment tidy while drying, it is necessaryto provide a support from which to suspend the hanger, which restrictsthe locations in which such hangers can be used. Furthermore, when usedoutdoors, hangers do not provide protection from the elements for thearticles suspended from them.

To overcome some of the disadvantages of simple hangers, specialisedhanging frames for diving equipment have been developed. However, todate such hanging frames have been designed primarily for outdoor use,and in particular to assist in the washing of garments and accessories.These hanging frames therefore provide no protection from moisturedripping from the wet articles onto the ground below. Furthermore,hanging frames previously developed do not include any protection fromthe elements for articles suspended on them. In addition, therequirement for such frames to remain stable even when loaded with wetdiving equipment has generally required that they utilise substantiallybulky and heavy construction of the base section that supports theframe, which limits their portability and practicality for use inconfined spaces.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide aportable apparatus for drying and storage of apparel and accessoriesthat mitigates one or more of the disadvantages in the prior art.

Any of the above discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge inthis specification is included to explain the context of the invention.It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material formedpart of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in therelevant art on or before the priority date of the invention or claimsherein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides a portable apparatus fordrying and/or storage of garments and/or accessories, the apparatusincluding a base for supporting a frame, the base including a cavity forreceipt of ballast to stabilise the apparatus, the frame being mountedon the base and including projections suitable for supporting garmentsand/or accessories, wherein the base includes at least one opening forinsertion of ballast into the cavity and a tray for collecting liquid,when in use, falling from wet garments and/or accessories that aresuspended above the base.

In one preferred embodiment, the cavity is substantially watertight toallow water to be used as the ballast and the base includes asufficiently dimensioned first opening to insert water as ballast intothe cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the cavity is sufficientlysealed to allow particulate material, such as sand, to be used as theballast and the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first openingto insert particulate material as ballast.

In a most preferred embodiment, the first opening is sealable. The basemay also include a second sealable opening which, when unsealed, allowsthe draining of ballast from the base.

Preferably, one or more wheels are included on the base. Also the framefor supporting garments and/or accessories may be collapsible to enableeasy transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use. Theprojections may be fittings separable from the garments and/or accessoryframe.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid collecting tray is formed by asubstantially planar upper surface in the base with raised edgessurrounding said upper surface.

In another preferred embodiment, the mounting support for the garmentand/or accessory frame is substantially centrally located on the base,and the liquid collecting tray is an annular concave depression in theupper surface of the base surrounding the central mounting support.

In yet another embodiment, the mounting supports for the garment and/oraccessory frame may be located at substantially opposite ends of thebase, and the frame extends across the base between the mountingsupports.

Preferably, a lid correspondingly shaped with the base is provided suchthat the base and lid forms a case for transport or storage of thecollapsible garment and/or accessory frame.

Projections from the garment and/or accessory frame may include any oneor more of the following:

-   -   hanging knobs;    -   spikes with rounded ends;    -   accessory trays;    -   perforated accessory trays;    -   hooks;    -   hangers; or    -   support rails.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a canopy for mountingabove the garments and/or accessories. The canopy may be correspondinglyshaped with the base thus forming a lid for transport and storage of theapparatus when not in use. The canopy may be formed of a flexible canopyframe covered with flexible material, the material and canopy framepreferably being attachable to the garment and/or accessory frame. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the canopy is collapsible forstorage.

The liquid collecting tray may include perforations for drainage ofliquids from wet items placed thereupon. The liquid collecting tray mayinclude alternately raised and depressed regions, whereby an objectplaced upon the tray is held above any liquid collected in the depressedregions. Preferably the raised regions form a series of ridges.

In one preferred embodiment, hangers or hanging rails are attachable tothe garment and/or accessory frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, withoutlimiting the overall scope of the invention, with reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drying and storage apparatus accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in disassembledand packed form;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of components of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the drying and storage apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the drying and storage apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drying and storage apparatus accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the portabledrying and storage apparatus 100 when fully assembled. Many features ofthe embodiment are visible in more than one of the drawings, and likenumerals are used to identify like elements in each figure.

The drying apparatus 100 includes a base 102 into which two shafts 104,105 are fitted. The shafts 104, 105 provide support for a number ofprojections which are intended to be used for support by hanging orplacement of diving garments and accessories for drying and storage. Inthe embodiment shown, these projections include rounded spikes 106,accessory trays 108, rounded hooks 110, and a horizontal support rail112 from which further hanging rails eg. 114 are suspended. The shaftstogether with the projections thus constitute a garment and/or accessoryframe able to provide support for diving garments or accessories. At thetop of the shafts 104, 105 is shown an optional ultraviolet protectioncanopy 118.

In one preferred embodiment, the base 102 is hollow and is preferablycomposed of a waterproof and strong but lightweight material such as arigid plastic. When assembled, the shaft 104 is fitted into an opening120 in the base unit and the shaft 105 into a recess 121. However, whenthe shaft is removed, the opening 120 provides access into the hollowinterior of the base unit, that forms a cavity, which enables it to befilled with ballast material such as sand or water, to stabilise theapparatus and prevent it from tipping when used to support heavy wetgarments. This is of even greater importance when the apparatus is usedoutdoors, as wind may catch the supported garments. The recess 121 maybe replaced by an opening similar to 120 if desired. The ballastmaterial may also be emptied from the base unit 102 via the opening 120(and/or 121) when no longer required. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1,a first opening 122 with a resealable closure 123, such as a plug, maybe used in other embodiments of the invention to provide a means forsupply and removal of ballast material. A resealable second opening, notshown, may be provided in a more convenient location as compared withthe first opening to allow draining of the ballast from the base.

The shafts 104, 105 are constructed of a suitably rigid material, andare preferably hollow in order to minimise the weight of the apparatus.The material from which the shafts 104, 105 and other fittings arefabricated is also preferably resistant to rust and other forms ofcorrosion, especially when exposed to fresh or salt water. Suitablematerials may include steel, aluminium tubing, or plastic.

The projections 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 may be integrally formed witheither of the shafts 104, 105, or they may be separate components thatare permanently affixed to either of the shafts 104, 105 such as bywelding or other means appropriate to the material.

However, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, theprojections are provided as separate components. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the shafts 104, 105 are also composed of anumber of separate parts that are either slotted or screwed together toaffix the projections to the shaft(s). The garment and/or accessoryframe may be collapsible. This enables the drying apparatus to becollapsed and disassembled for storage or transport when not in use, andimproves portability.

In a preferred embodiment, the shafts 104, 105 may be formed of sections300. The section 300 has a cross section which forms one or morechannels 304 along the length of the shaft. Connector pieces 302 may beused to join sections and may provide fixing means, eg holes 306 towhich components such as the accessory tray 108 may be fixed.Alternatively, fixing means 308 which slidably engage said channel(s)may be provided and components thereby attached.

The spikes 106 feature a smooth rounded construction so as to enableitems such as fins and neoprene boots to be suspended from them withoutrisk of damage. The accessory trays 108 may include a perforated flatbase which may have a surrounding lip to enable smaller accessories,such as gloves or torches, to be easily placed on the accessory tray.Water can drain through the perforations, and provision of a lipprevents any articles from rolling off the accessory tray.

The rounded hooks 110 include smooth, rounded surfaces with no sharpcomers to prevent damage to any items that are suspended from them.Whilst suitable for hanging items such as masks, regulators or weightbelts, they may be used for any article that can be suspended from asmall hook of this type.

A number of hangers 114 may be suspended from the horizontal supportrail 112, and two are shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Theround shoulder of the hanger 114 is suitable for hanging garments suchas wet suits and buoyancy control devices that are designed to be wornover the upper body including the shoulder portion within a garment.Other garments or accessories may be looped over the lower rail of thehanger.

An ultraviolet protection canopy 118 may be provided to shade some orall of the garments and/or accessories. The canopy 118 may convenientlybe fitted to the top of either or both of the support shafts 104, 105directly or using one or more brackets 136 as shown in FIG. 1. Thecanopy may be made from any suitable light weight ultraviolet retardingmaterial such as shade cloth to provide protection from exposure tosunlight for the diving apparel and equipment suspended from the dryingapparatus.

The canopy 118 may be rigid or may be formed from flexible materialssuch as shade cloth. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible material isstretched over a canopy frame. The canopy frame may be folded such thatthe canopy collapses to a smaller area for storage.

The canopy 118 may be replaced by suitable water sports equipment suchas a surfboard, or alternatively, the canopy 118 may be used to shade asurfboard. Suitable attachments for stably positioning a surfboard abovethe shafts 104, 105 may be mounted on the shafts 104, 105 or thehorizontal support rail 112.

It is a particular feature of the preferred embodiment that the base 102is integrally formed with a liquid collecting tray to collect any waterthat falls from damp equipment supported by the frame. As clearly shownin FIG. 2, the base 102 is moulded to form a concave depression 202extending across the majority of the base. This concave depression thusprovides a drip tray for the garments and accessories supported by thefittings above. Thus, when wet equipment is stored on the apparatus,drips are caught by the base, and the floor or ground beneath the dryingapparatus is kept dry. In one embodiment the liquid collecting tray maybe provided with alternating raised 260 and depressed 262 regions, toform ridges 260 upon which objects may be placed. Water collected fromdamp equipment will be held in the depressed surface areas, therebyenabling objects placed on the ridges to dry. In another embodiment,raised 260 and depressed 262 regions are provided on a separate insertwhich rests inside the tray 202. In another embodiment, not shown, adrain and conduit may be provided to remove collected water from theliquid collecting tray.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be convenientlymanufactured in components suitable to be packed into a suitcase orother carry case. However, in a most preferred embodiment the apparatus,when disassembled, may form its own carry case. The base, including aliquid collecting tray in its upper surface, may be used as a case intowhich the disassembled shafts 104, 105 and projections 106, 108, 110,112, 114 are packed. The raised 260 and depressed 262 regions of thetray may be correspondingly shaped to receive each disassembled item. Acorrespondingly shaped lid as compared with the base may then beprovided and secured to the base to form a case. The canopy 118 may beused as the lid. Further, a handle 130 and one or more wheels 132 may beprovided on the base 102 to assist in more convenient transportation ofthe apparatus.

CONCLUSION

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited in scope to the described embodiment but ratherthe scope of the present invention is broader so as to encompass otherforms of the apparatus.

For example, the apparatus may include further fittings to thosedescribed herein for the drying and storing of additional garments oraccessories.

In alternative embodiments, the base may include a hollow centralportion for ballast to provide stability, and a flat outer tray portionwith an exterior lip for collection of dripping water. It will beunderstood that many further variations of the construction of the baseare possible. Many further variations of construction of the garmentand/or accessory frame are also possible and a preferred embodiment ofan apparatus according to the invention having a single shaft is shownin FIG. 6.

The apparatus may also include additional features such as a protectivecurtain suspended from the ultraviolet protective canopy extendingaround the apparatus in order to provide additional protection from theelements to equipment and apparel supported by the frame.

1. A portable apparatus for drying or storage of garments oraccessories, the apparatus comprising: a base for supporting a frame,said base including an enclosed cavity for receipt of ballast tostabilise the apparatus, the frame being mounted on said base andincluding projections suitable for supporting at least one of thegarments or accessories, wherein the base includes at least one sealableopening for insertion of ballast into the enclosed cavity and a tray forcollecting liquid, when in use, falling from the garments or accessoriesthat are suspended above the base.
 2. A portable apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the cavity is substantially watertight to allow water tobe used as the ballast.
 3. A portable apparatus according to claim 2wherein the base includes a sufficiently dimensioned first opening toinsert water as ballast into the cavity.
 4. A portable apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the cavity is sufficiently sealed to allowparticulate material to be used as the ballast.
 5. A portable apparatusaccording to claim 4 wherein the base includes a sufficientlydimensioned first opening to insert particulate material as ballast. 6.A portable apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the first opening issealable by a cover.
 7. A portable apparatus according to claim 3wherein the base includes a second sealable opening which, whenunsealed, allows the draining of ballast from the base.
 8. A portableapparatus according to claim 1 wherein one or more wheels are includedon said base.
 9. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theframe for supporting the garments or accessories is collapsible toenable easy transport and storage of the apparatus when not in use. 10.A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projections arefittings separable from the frame.
 11. A portable apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the liquid collecting tray is formed by a substantiallyplanar upper surface in the base with raised edges surrounding saidupper surface.
 12. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 furthercomprising a mounting support for the frame, the mounting supportsubstantially centrally located on the base, and the liquid collectingtray includes an annular concave depression in the upper surface of thebase forming a central mounting support.
 13. A portable apparatusaccording to claim 1 further comprising mounting supports for the framelocated at substantially opposite ends of the base, and the frameextends across the base between said mounting supports.
 14. A portableapparatus according to claim 9 further comprising a lid correspondinglyshaped with the base such that the base and lid forms a case fortransport or storage of the collapsible frame.
 15. A portable apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein projections from the frame include any oneor more of: hanging knobs; spikes with rounded ends; accessory trays;perforated accessory trays; hooks; hangers; or support rails.
 16. Aportable apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a canopy formounting above said garments or accessories.
 17. A portable apparatusaccording to claim 16 wherein the canopy is correspondingly shaped withthe base thus forming a lid for transport and storage of the apparatuswhen not in use.
 18. A portable apparatus according to claim 16 whereinthe canopy is formed of a flexible canopy frame covered with flexiblematerial, said canopy attachable to said frame and collapsible forstorage.
 19. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theliquid collecting tray defines perforations for drainage of liquids. 20.A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the liquid collectingtray includes alternately raised and depressed regions, whereby anobject placed upon the liquid collecting tray is held above any liquidcollected in said depressed regions.
 21. A portable apparatus accordingto claim 20 wherein the alternately raised and depressed regions includewalls defining a void correspondingly shaped with at least one member ofthe frame for snugly fitting frame member when inserted in the void. 22.A portable apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the alternatelyraised and depressed regions include walls defining a voidcorrespondingly shaped with at least one projection of the frame toreceive the frame projection when inserted therein.
 23. A portableapparatus according to claim 20 wherein the raised regions form a seriesof ridges.
 24. A portable apparatus according to claim 1 wherein hangersor hanging rails are attachable to the frame.
 25. (canceled)